Cotonou, Benin - A commemoration of the International Day of Families, the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, and Africa Day took place on May 18 in the Foreign Affairs banquet hall. The program emphasized strengthening marriage and family as a way to promote peace, security, and development.
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The Head of State of Benin, H.E. President Boni YAYI, is the current chair of the African Union, and many government ministers, especially the Minister of Foreign Affairs, are very involved in peace missions.
Note: Benin has adopted a mediating role in the political crises in Liberia, Guinea-Bissau, and Togo and provided a contribution to the UN force in Haiti. Benin currently has peacekeeping forces, under the UN aegis, in Cote d'Ivoire and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Benin's democratic standing, stability, and positive role in international peacekeeping have helped raise its international stature.
To read more about UPF observances of the International Day of Families 2012, click here.